Controls the water values in aquariums simply and reliably. Determines the ideal pH value for freshwater aquariums

Laboratory comparator system to compensate the inherent water colouring: fill plastic cuvette with sample water, add reagents to another cuvette, place both cuvettes in holder, read values on colour chart

When to use: for setting up a new aquarium: daily for one week, afterwards weekly

Online Laboratory: regular control for a healthy aquarium with conditions close to nature. JBL has water tests in the form of quick tests or colour change tests for every water analysis. Testing aquarium water for healthy, clear water

Healthy aquariums with conditions close to nature
The right water values are dependent on the fish stock and the plants in the aquarium. Even if the water looks clear it can be contaminated. With bad values diseases or algae can appear in the aquarium. To maintain a healthy aquarium with conditions close to nature it is important to check and adapt the water values regularly.

For each water analysis JBL provides water tests in the form of quick tests or colour change tests. These determine a certain value or several values in one go. With these water tests you can recognise algae problems and negative nitrate, nitrite, potassium, magnesium values etc.

Why test?
The well-being of the aquarium dwellers and the growth of aquatic plants depend to a large extent on the pH level being kept as constant as possible. The pH level can also affect many substances dissolved in the water. Fluctuations in the pH level are definitely to be avoided.

JBL Online Laboratory
Regular control for a healthy aquarium with conditions close to nature. Enter your water values into the JBL Online Laboratory and get a in-depth analysis of your values within seconds.

Where can I find the record sheets for the documentation of my water analysis?

Have you lost your record sheets, already filled them all in or do you need them in another language?
With the following links you can quickly and easily print out your new record sheets with recommendations for the individual parameters at home and document the water analyses.
deutsch: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=de&mod=files&func=show&id=11164
English: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=en&mod=files&func=show&id=11164
französisch: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=fr&mod=files&func=show&id=11164
niederländisch: https://www.jbl.de/?lang=nl&mod=files&func=show&id=11164

I have lost my colour chart. Can I download the colour chart for the test?

The colour cards are not available for download on the JBL website. For this a guaranteed true colour print is required, and you need a printer which can be re-calibrated before each printout. Most privately used printers are not accurate enough for this.

You will find the colour chart bundle as spare part on the respective product page and in the spare parts shop.

Which of the three scales on the colour cards symbolize of the water tests saltwater, freshwater and garden pond ?

koi carp = garden pond
angel fish = saltwater
discus = freshwater

Which scale applies for my aquarium? My test has two or three control fields with fish and recommendations.

We repeatedly receive questions regarding the symbols on the water test. The hobby areas cannot be clearly assigned to the scales for analysis. There are three symbols to make the hobby areas on the colour charts clear:

Discus = fresh water
Emperor = salt water
Koi = garden pond

In the following, you will find a list which assigns the scale for analysing the results from measurements in the hobby area and explains the symbols: The scales are described from the top to the bottom here.

The following JBL tests have a uniform scale for all 2 or 3 hobby areas for analysis of the results from the measurements, as differentiation is no longer necessary:

SiO2
Cu
NH4
NO2
PO4
pH 3-10
O2

The instructions point out that the comparator block should be used to compare the colours. Can this be done without the comparator block as well ? Or is there a factor from this comparison that is required for the measurement ?

The colour charts are intended to be used with the comparator block. In addition, when the comparator block is used with the blank water sample, this compensates the inherent water colour.

Therefore, if the comparator block is not used, there will most likely be deviations in the readings.

Please note that the best-before date does not apply for opened reagents. Exposure to atmospheric oxygen decreases the shelf life.

After use, the colour of the water sample changes from light green at the beginning (pH 6.4) to dark green / turquoise (6.8 – 7.0 within 10 minutes. Now to my question: When does the test show me my current pH level?

The pH indicator immediately reacts to the acid-base content in the water and should therefore be read right after shaking briefly. Later changes in colour indicate a changing pH level in the sample, e.g. as a result of CO₂ degassing.

Do my water tests still work although they have been open for nine months?

Basically a sealed test keeps longer than an open one. How much the shelf life is reduced depends crucially on the handling and the storage conditions of the reagents. It may happen that a reagent in a test that has been open for 9 months doesn’t indicate correctly any more. However, additional information is needed to answer this question properly.

Misunderstandings – typical beginner mistakes

Based on our own experience in customer service and the many messages and questions we receive, we have put together the typical mistakes beginners may make. The experienced aquarist might well smile, but if they are honest, these are mistakes we all made at the start, aren’t they?

How often do you need to test your pond or aquarium water?

Granted, nobody really enjoys testing water. It’s time-consuming and sometimes you’re not sure which colour on the chart your water result matches. But water testing really can be lifesaving – at least for your fish!

Testing Water in the Jungle

Our 15 expeditions have taught us something new: In natural waters nitrogens (ammonium/ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) and phosphates are ALWAYS scarce and below the limit of detection. Only when humans have an influence on the natural water, can nitrogens and phosphates be found.

Outline: Fertilisation in the Aquarium

The JBL plant care concept leads to vigorous and healthy growth even with the most demanding aquatic plants. JBL has all the components you need, whether it’s a fertiliser, a bottom substrate or a fully automatic CO2 fertiliser system.

The JBL colour chart booklet now available

Active water testers need new colour charts for their water tests from time to time. JBL is now selling a replacement for the complete colour chart booklet, which contains brief instructions and colour charts for all the water tests.

JBL Film Illustrates Acid Plunge

Since many aquarians and pond owners do not really understand how important the carbonate hardness is and how its puffer action functions on the pH value, JBL has added a video with subtitles to the JBL home page and published it on YouTube.

Pond laboratory / calculator

Water Analysis Online Laboratory

Enter your water parameters and get an in-depth analysis of your values in a matter of seconds.
You enter your water values – and we analyse! Here you have the opportunity to enter the measured water values directly into the JBL Online Laboratory. This will analyse your values and explain and submit corrective measures.